I was recently asked how I prepare for a vocal performance. I realized that there are probably other people who are also looking for tips and tricks to prepare for a vocal performance so here you go.
As my regular readers know, I play in a band in Raleigh. I play rhythm guitar and lead vocals in an alternative rock and grunge band. That being said, I have a variety of vocal styles I have to incorporate. Some noteworthy artists would be Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave, Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries and most recently Leigh Nash of Sixpence None The Richer. As you can see, these four people have vastly different styles. It is also worth noting that I am an alto with a smoother voice but I like to incorporate vocal fries, flips and I’m even learning to scream.
Two Weeks Before
First thing’s first, I would highly recommend abstaining from inhalants, such as cigarettes among others, for at least two weeks before a show. This makes sure that your vocal chords and throat are at least healthier. I would highly encourage practicing often because practicing can only help. But don’t hurt yourself. As soon as it starts hurting, I would suggest taking a break because you don’t want to hurt yourself.
Two Days Before
Around two days before the show, I would recommend drinking some hot tea with honey throughout the day, especially after practicing. I personally am not a tea person but I typically choose something herbal like lemon echinacea. From what I’m given to understand, this combination is used in cough drops and is good for throat health as well as your immune system. If not herbal, I pick a standard black tea. I add a bit of honey to my tea as well, not just for taste. Honey is a common home remedy for a sore throat.
Day Before
The day before the show, I start watching my diet. Believe it or not, diet has a large impact on vocal health. I try to make sure I am getting lots of proteins. I like to make scrambled eggs or some broth based soups.
There is also the common piece of advice to avoid dairy right before a show. I believe that that particular tip is person to person. I usually only have problems with cultured dairy products such as yogurts or kefirs. But, I try to stop having dairy products the night before the show. The only dairy I allow myself the day on the show is in my coffee. I use a coffee creamer and I use so little that I don’t think it makes that much of a difference.
Another thing I have heard to avoid the day before or day of a show is carbonated drinks. I am personally not a huge fan of carbonated drinks but I have heard that the carbonation can irritate the throat and cause problems in breath control. I have heard from theatre performers that this standard also applies to non-singers because projecting uses similar techniques.
On a similar note to the importance of diet, hydrating properly is paramount. It is so important to drink a lot of water starting at least the day before. A hydrated throat is a healthy throat. I try to up my water intake day before and day of, but that doesn’t always work out unfortunately.
Not unlike with most health related things, sleep is crucial. I had a vocal instructor once who said that she slept in until 1 p.m. or so on the days of her shows. This is one of the steps I am not so good at. I try to get enough sleep but I have other responsibilities that can’t just fall off.
Day Of
Lastly, on the day of the show I try to limit speech. I don’t speak much during the day unless I have to. I usually have a “dress rehearsal” of sorts with my band around midday where we run through the whole set. That is the only time I will sing all day until sound check before the show.
After the rehearsal, I come home and have a cup of tea while I get ready. Sometimes, especially if I’m under the weather or am having really bad allergies, one cup isn’t enough. I have been known to bring a tea bag, mug and honey to a venue to sip on during sound check. I also like to keep a jar of honey in my gig bag anyway for emergencies. I have had instances where I just slugged back honey throughout a show due to allergies.
Contrary to what I probably should do, I don’t really have any vocal warmups. That being said, here are some that would probably be a good idea to incorporate into my routine as well as yours.
What NOT To Do
Now let’s talk about what not to do. It might not seem like it but whispering to preserve your voice is one the worst things you can do. You are actually straining your vocal chords more in doing so and drying them out. It is also not recommended to clear your throat. That little “ahem” is doing damage believe it or not. If you do need to clear your throat, there are other options. I personally struggle a lot with trying to stop clearing my throat but nonetheless. I try to hum to clear my throat. I have also heard that drinking water or swallowing gently can have a similar effect.
I hope this helps someone out when they have a vocal performance to prepare for. Good luck and have fun out there.
